Beyond Manali: Explore These Scenic Short Trips
Beyond Manali: Explore These Scenic Short Trips and Places Near Manali on a Budget
Looking for a budget-friendly escape from Manali? Discover scenic getaways nearby, where stunning landscapes, adventure, and tranquility await. From serene valleys to historical towns, these places near Manali on a budget offer the perfect blend of beauty and adventure without breaking the bank. Ready for your next unforgettable journey?
1. Shimla
Shimla is famous for its colonial architecture, the bustling Mall Road, and scenic views. It offers a perfect blend of historical charm and natural beauty.
Budget: ₹6,000-₹10,000.
Key Highlights for Exploring Shimla
Top Attractions
- Mall Road: Shopping, cafes, and branded stores.
- Kufri: Scenic hill station at 8000 ft.
- Toy Train Ride: Iconic ride with stunning views.
- Lakkar Bazaar: Famous for woodwork and winter wear.
- Ice Skating: Open rink (Dec-March).
- Scandal Point: Sunset views, ideal for nature lovers.
- River Rafting: Adventure activity for thrill-seekers.
- Jakhoo Hill: Highest point with panoramic views.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Visit Off-Season: Avoid peak months for better deals.
- Stay Smart: Opt for guesthouses, homestays, or hostels.
- Use Public Transport: Buses and shared taxis are economical.
- Walk Around: Explore Mall Road, Ridge, and Jakhoo Hill on foot.
- Eat Local: Choose dhabas and small cafes for authentic food.
- Free Attractions: Visit Christ Church, Ridge, and temples.
- Group Travel: Split costs for lodging and activities.
2. Dharamshala
Dharamshala is known for its Tibetan culture, serene monasteries, and trekking opportunities. It's a peaceful retreat with a spiritual vibe.
Budget: ₹5,000-₹8,000.
Dharamshala Travel Guide
Key Highlights
- Tibetan Culture: Home to the 14th Dalai Lama, Tibetan monasteries, and vibrant Tibetan traditions.
- Scenic Beauty: Overlooked by the Dhauladhar Range, serene landscapes, and lush greenery.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Mcleodganj: Tibetan art, crafts, cuisine, and Tsuglagkhang Complex (Dalai Lama's residence).
- Bhagsunag Falls: Stunning waterfall near Bhagsunag Temple, best visited July-September.
- St. John’s Church: Neo-Gothic architecture, intact since 1852, featuring Belgian stained glass.
- Kangra Art Museum: Showcases Kangra miniature paintings, ancient sculptures, and royal artifacts.
- Norbulingka Institute: Japanese-styled gardens and Tibetan architecture.
- War Memorial: Historical site amidst serene nature.
- Chamunda Devi Temple: Revered Shakti Peeth with 700-year-old water tanks.
- Gyuto Monastery: Built in 1989, featuring thangkas and mountain views.
Tips for Visitors
- Best Time: March-June and September-November.
- Stay Options: Luxurious resorts (Club Mahindra) to budget hotels.
- Cuisine: Try Tibetan dishes like Thenthu and momos in Mcleodganj.
- Shopping: Tibetan arts, crafts, and souvenirs at Kotwali Bazaar.
- Activities: Explore monasteries, temples, and nature trails.
3. Kullu
Kullu is renowned for adventure activities such as rafting and its stunning scenic landscapes. It's a haven for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Budget: ₹5,000-₹9,000.
Kullu Valley Travel Guide
Key Highlights
- Panoramic Beauty: Surrounded by the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, with the Beas River, meadows, and brooks.
- Diverse Appeal: Perfect for nature lovers, adventurers, spiritual seekers, and art enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit
- March-June: Ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities.
- July-September: Monsoon brings scenic beauty but occasional landslides.
- October-November: Cool, pleasant weather for trekking and sightseeing.
- December-February: Snowfall and winter sports, perfect for couples (heavy woolens required).
Top Attractions
- Natural Spots: Manali, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Kasol, Malana, Naggar.
- Religious Sites: Bijli Mahadev, Raghunath Temple, Hidimba Temple, Maa Sharvari Temple.
- Adventure: Trekking, river rafting, and skiing.
- Shopping: Kullu shawls, caps, carpets, and handicrafts (Bhuttico and Himbunkar stores).
Travel Tips
- Transport: Intra-town buses, taxis, and rented motorbikes for exploring.
- Food: Try local cuisines, Tibetan momos, and eateries like Chopsticks (Manali) and Shobla International (Kullu).
- Shopping Hotspots: Sultanpur Market, Akhara Bazaar, Bhutti Weavers Colony.
4. Chail
Chail is cherished for its majestic Chail Palace, wildlife sanctuary, and tranquil environment. It's an ideal destination for those seeking peace and relaxation.
Budget: ₹4,000-₹7,000.
Chail Travel Guide
Highlights
- Idyllic Hill Station: Surrounded by pine and deodar forests in Himachal Pradesh.
- Historical Significance: Founded by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1893.
- World’s Highest Cricket Ground: Located at an altitude of 2,444 meters.
Best Time to Visit
- March-June: Pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- September-November: Ideal for nature walks and exploration.
- December-February: Snow-covered landscapes for a winter retreat.
Top Attractions
- Chail Palace: Former royal summer retreat, now a heritage hotel.
- Chail Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to Himalayan animals like Black Bear and Barking Deer.
- Siddh Baba Ka Mandir: Revered temple built by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh.
- Kali Ka Tibba: Temple offering stunning views of the Shivalik Range.
- Sadhupul Lake: Pristine hangout spot with unique dining experiences.
Adventure Activities
- Trekking, hiking, rope walking, and rock climbing.
Accommodation
- Luxury: Tarika Jungle Retreat, Maple Resort.
- Mid-Range: United 21 Resort, Hotel Ekant.
- Budget-Friendly: Various homestays and small hotels.
Travel Tips
- How to Reach: Connected via road; closest airport is Shimla.
- Food: Local Himachali dishes and North Indian cuisine available.
- Tour Packages: Explore Chail and nearby destinations with curated Himachal Pradesh packages.
5. Kasauli
Kasauli is a quiet hill station offering serene sunset views and peaceful walks. It’s perfect for a laid-back getaway.
Budget: ₹5,000-₹8,000.
Kasauli Travel Guide
Highlights
- Scenic Location: Nestled in the Dhauladhar range, offering a peaceful retreat.
- Colonial Charm: Known for British-era architecture and old-fashioned ambience.
- Literary Connection: Birthplace of Ruskin Bond.
Best Time to Visit
- March-June: Ideal for sightseeing and hiking.
- September-November: Perfect for enjoying cool weather and scenic beauty.
Top Attractions
- Manki Point: Highest point in Kasauli with panoramic views of the valley and Sutlej River.
- Christ Church: Neo-gothic architecture and stained glass windows (built in 1853).
- Gilbert Trail: A serene hiking route for nature lovers.
- Gurkha Fort: Historic fort symbolizing Gurkha bravery.
- Mall Road: Cafes, bookstores, and the famous Kasauli Club.
- Sunset Point: Stunning views of sunsets over the Himalayas.
- Kasauli Brewery: Relax with beverages from one of the oldest distilleries.
Religious Sites
- Krishna Bhavan Mandir: A temple resembling a church, built in 1926.
- Shri Baba Balak Nath Temple: Known for fulfilling wishes of devotees.
Accommodation
- Luxury: Kasauli Resort, Baikunth Resorts.
- Mid-Range: Kasauli Castle Resort, Hill Pride Resort.
- Budget-Friendly: Homestays and smaller hotels.
Activities
- Hiking, nature walks, exploring colonial heritage, and relaxing in peaceful surroundings.
6. Khajjiar
Khajjiar, often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of India," is known for its lush green meadows and picturesque surroundings. It’s a charming and tranquil destination.
Budget: ₹4,000-₹7,000.
Khajjiar Travel Guide
Why Visit?
- Mini Switzerland of India: Meadows, forests, and Mt. Kailash views.
- Ideal for trekking, nature walks, and peaceful retreats.
Attractions
- Khajjiar Lake: Floating grass island, horseback riding, zorbing.
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: Trekking, wildlife (leopards, langurs).
- Khajji Nag Temple: 12th-century, unique Hindu-Muslim architecture.
- Villages (Rota & Ladi): Apple orchards, snow-capped hill views.
Best Time
- March–June: Pleasant weather.
- Dec–Feb: Snowfall.
Tour Packages
- Dalhousie Weekend: 2N/3D
- Exotic Himachal: 6N/7D
- Best of Himachal: 10N/11D
Stay Options
- Luxury: Mini Swiss Hotel, Swiss Meadows.
- Budget: Homestays, guesthouses.
Activities
- Trekking, zorbing, sightseeing, horseback riding.
Tips
- Trek from Chamba for scenic views.
- Carry warm clothes in winter.
7. Nahan
Nahan is famous for Renuka Lake and its serene atmosphere. The town is enriched with historical temples, making it a peaceful yet cultural destination.
Budget: ₹4,000-₹7,000.
Nahan Travel Guide
Overview
- Altitude: 932m (3000 ft).
- Location: Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh.
- Founded in 1612 A.D. by Raja Karan Prakash.
Key Attractions
- Renuka Lake: Largest lake in Himachal; celebrates Maa Renuka & Lord Parshuram reunion.
- Paonta Sahib: Sacred to Guru Gobind Singh; wrote part of Dassam Granth here.
- Trilokpur Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Bala Sundri; hosts Navratri fairs.
- Suketi Fossil Park: Asia's first fossil park; life-size prehistoric animal models.
- Churdhar Peak: 3647m; panoramic views of Tibet, Sutlej, and Badrinath.
Nearby Spots
- Dhaula Kuan: Mango orchards, Kastasan Devi Temple.
- Ranital: Historic pond with temples and gardens.
Events
- Bawan Dwadashi: 52 idols carried to Jagannath Temple post-monsoon.
- Bala Sundri Fair: Held during Navratras at Trilokpur Temple.
How to Reach
- Air: Chandigarh (nearest), Dehradun, Shimla.
- Rail: Barara, Ambala, Chandigarh, Kalka.
- Road: Well connected via NH-7 and NH-907A.
Highlights
- Second municipal corporation in India (after Kolkata).
- Peaceful town with scenic landscapes and historic charm.
8. Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley is celebrated for its high-altitude desert landscapes, ancient monasteries, and the mesmerizing Chandratal Lake. It's a unique and adventurous destination.
Budget: ₹8,000-₹12,000.
Spiti Valley Travel Guide
Overview
- Altitude: 12,500 ft; cold desert with 250 sunny days/year.
- Location: Himachal Pradesh; "The Middle Land" between India & Tibet.
- Ideal for: Trekking, monasteries, lakes, and Himalayan views.
Key Attractions
- Key Monastery: Largest in Spiti, over 1,000 years old.
- Chandratal Lake: Crescent-shaped, changing colors through the day.
- Dhankar Lake: Scenic trek from Dhankar Monastery; serene views.
- Pin Valley National Park: Home to snow leopards and other wildlife.
- Tabo Monastery: Dalai Lama's favorite; one of the oldest Buddhist sites.
- Suraj Tal: India's 3rd highest lake; ideal for camping.
- Langza Village: Stunning landscapes, birdwatching haven.
Cultural Highlights
- Mixed traditions of India and Tibet.
- Home to ancient monasteries like Tabo, Lhalung, and Gandhola.
- Local festivals: Ladarcha Fair (July), Keylong Tribal Fair (August).
Food
- Must-try: Momos, Thukpa, Butter Tea, Barley Beer (Chang), and Arkah whiskey.
Travel Tips
- Best accessed June-September (via Kunzum Pass).
- Limited ATMs; carry cash.
- Camping near Chandratal Lake is banned within 3 km.
- Roads are challenging; avoid self-driving.
- Photography inside monasteries is prohibited.
Unique Experiences
- Trekking trails: Kunzum La, Bara-Shigri Glacier.
- Barter Markets: Ladarcha Fair for unique goods.
- Local Drinks: Butter Tea, Chang (beer), and flavored teas.
9. Tirthan Valley
Tirthan Valley is known for the Great Himalayan National Park, trekking trails, and fishing spots. It’s a nature lover's paradise with endless outdoor activities.
Budget: ₹6,000-₹10,000.
